Genome-wide identification of the GRF gene family and response to cold stress in astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)

Growth-regulating factors (GRFs) are transcription factors that exist only in plants. They are mainly responsible for regulating plant growth and development and play an important role in responding to abiotic stress. Astragalus membranaceus (A. membranaceus) is recognized as a significant medicinal plant, and its growth is often restricted by abiotic stresses such as cold. Although the GRF gene families have been recognized in diverse plant species, systematic studies on them in A. membranaceus are still lacking. Based on the whole-genome data of A. membranaceus, we identified 10 GRF gene family members (AmeGRF1-AmeGRF9). Then, it analyzed their properties, phylogenetic evolution, conserved motifs, cis-acting elements, Synteny, and functional enrichment. Promoter analysis revealed that multiple AmeGRF members contain low-temperature response elements. Further qRT-PCR analysis revealed that AmeGRF4 exhibited marked induction in response to cold stress, indicating its potential role in the cold adaptation of A. membranaceus. This work sheds light on the biological functions and abiotic stress regulatory mechanisms mediated by GRF genes in A. membranaceus.